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The Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness Elite Athlete Program prides itself on the success of its athletes, assisting them to achieve  a steady balance between both sport and study. 

In 2017, 62 members of the Elite Athlete Program made it to the finish line, armed with a world class tertiary education combined with invaluable leadership qualities and industry connections to help them build a successful career. From one finish line to the start of the next, we hit up three of the talented graduates to see where they’re headed…

THOMAS KOERSTZ

  • SPORT: RUGBY UNION
  • DEGREE: Bachelor of Agricultural Economics, Majoring in Ag. Economics and A.g Science

How has the Elite Athlete Program supported you in reaching this point of graduation?

The Elite Athlete Program played a major role in me obtaining my degree. I would not have got through my studies without the tutoring I received as well as the help and advice when it came to managing the demands of assignments, classes and the rugby program. Furthermore, the ability to see dieticians, sports medicine professionals and receive elite level coaching meant that I could focus on my studies a lot more as all the on-and-off field stuff was managed in terms of my footy.

What are your plans for next year?

Unfortunately, I am currently returning from a torn ACL and spending plenty of time in rehab. However, I am planning to be back on the field playing rugby for the students in mid-March or start of April which I am looking forward to after a long time off the paddock. In terms of my career, I began working at GrainCorp in July after completing my studies and have recently moved into a Domestic Road Planner which has been really enjoyable.

Favourite quote you look to for inspiration?

“My scars tell a story. They are a reminder of times when life tried to break me, but failed.”


RACHEL SOUTAR

  • SPORT: SOCCER
  • DEGREE: Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)

How has the Elite Athlete Program supported you in reaching this point of graduation?

The Elite Athlete Program really helped me throughout my degree when my soccer commitments clashed with my university placements, classes and assessments. The alternative arrangements the program helped me to organise made my degree a lot less stressful to complete. Through their support I was able to achieve good marks and maintain a balance between my university and sporting commitments.

What are your plans for next year?

Next year I plan to continue playing in the W-League and I also hope to get a full time Occupational Therapy job in a hospital setting or in paediatrics.

Favourite quote you look to for inspiration?

“Do more of what makes you happy.”

JACK BLAIR

  • SPORT: RUGBY UNION
  • DEGREE: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry and Computer Science) and Master of Management

How has the Elite Athlete Program supported you in reaching this point of graduation?

At the most basic level, the program has helped me financially, which has reduced the stress of living costs and allowed me to focus more on my studies and my sport. Beyond this, I have been provided with academic tutoring and incredible facilities that have undoubtedly had a huge positive effect on my academic and sporting endeavours. Lastly, the community of staff and fellow student athletes has been an amazing thing to be a part of and will be something I treasure for the rest of my life.

What are your plans for next year?

Next year I’ve managed to land a graduate job at Deloitte in Enterprise Applications, where I hope to start a successful career in consulting. However, for my sport next year I’m swapping codes to AFL and am hoping to get drafted at the end of 2018.

Favourite quote you look to for inspiration?

“The championships are almost secondary to the feeling you’ll get from waking up every morning and putting in the work. The championships are like when you were sitting in class at UConn with your shirt and tie on. They’re just the culmination. Your winding path to those moments, just like your walk across campus on that quiet fall morning in Connecticut, is where you will find happiness.” – Ray Allen

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